Best Time To Visit Stonehenge: Seasons And Hours!

Best Time To Visit Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each weighing around 25 tons, and is estimated to have been built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, although it is believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The construction of Stonehenge is considered an engineering marvel, as the transportation and placement of the massive stones would have required advanced techniques for the time period. The site has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries, and visitors can explore the surrounding area, which includes burial mounds and other ancient structures.

The best time to visit Stonehenge is in the early morning or late evening, as the site can become quite crowded during the day. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the audio guide or guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the site. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and protect Stonehenge, including the construction of a visitor center and limiting access to the stones themselves. Overall, Stonehenge remains an intriguing and enigmatic monument, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its enduring mystery and beauty.

Stonehenge In Autumn

While the weather in autumn may be quite pleasant unlike the sweltering summers, it is not considered the best time to visit Stonehenge because of heavy rainfall and sometimes, even snow. In fact, if the weather conditions deteriorate too much during this time, the agency that manages the site may even shut down. However, if the weather remains dry, autumn is preferred by many visitors because of lesser crowds. If you are here in September, you will also be able to enjoy the autumnal equinox. This is a crucial day that marks the turning of the seasons.

Read More: How To Reach Stonehenge

Stonehenge In Winter

If you are looking for a quiet sojourn around the fascinating wonder, winter is the best time to visit Stonehenge. You can avoid the rush of crowds and admire the spectacular beauty of the structures against the winter skies. The time around the winter solstice, however, can see an influx of visitors, especially during sunrise to see the sun’s effects on the monument. Despite this, winter is said to be one of the best time to go to Stonehenge as you do not need to worry about sunburn and dehydration as well as get to take great shots without too many people in the background.

Do Checkout: Stones In Stonehenge

Stonehenge In Spring

The month of May is one of the best time to visit Stonehenge as the weather during this time is neither very cold nor wet. The days are pleasantly sunny and although the number of people visiting here starts to pick up, there is still not as much crowd as during the summer months. The opening hours of the monument begin to extend with the increase in daylight hours and the temperatures remain quite pleasant for taking a stroll around the monument or visiting other nearby attractions.

Check This Out: Stonehenge History

Stonehenge In Summer

If you are looking at visiting this mysterious monument when the weather is at its most pleasant, summer is certainly the best time to go to Stonehenge. Apart from this, the summer solstice is one of the most important dates of the year for the site and you can learn much about its importance on this date. The skies mostly remain clear and it is also great for clicking photographs. However, this is the time when many visitors prefer to come, and thus can get very crowded.

Suggested Read: Plan Your Visit To Stonehenge

Know Before You Visit Stonehenge

Location: Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, about 3 km west of Amesbury

Timings: Open every day from 9:30 am to 3 pm

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Stonehenge is during the spring season when the weather is quite pleasant and the crowds are not too much. The best time of day to visit Stonehenge is during the early morning hours soon after opening or even late afternoon just before closing. There are the hours when the influx of visitors is the least.

How To Reach

By Train: One of the simplest ways to get to Stonehenge is by taking a train to Salisbury station from London. Once here, you can avail of one of the several local transport options such as tour buses directly to Stonehenge.

By Car: This is a very quick way to reach Stonehenge from central London and you need to drive along the M3, A303 and finally the A360 to reach Stonehenge.

By Bus: You can take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury or go for a shuttle bus organized by a tour operator and get off right at the Stonehenge Visitor Center.

Know More About: Stonehenge Solstice